New Zealand EPA releases wasp to kill codling moth

Date:06-29-2012

The Environmental Protection Authority has approved the use of parastoid wasp, Mastrus ridens, for the biological control of codling moth, Cydia pomonella.

M. ridens is a small wasp like insect which kills the late larval stage codling moth on apples.

Pipfruit New Zealand applied for the release of the wasp to improve pest control available to top fruit growers. It now wishes to establish permanent populations of the wasp, to provide long term control in commercial orchards.

Before agreeing to the release the EPA first had to consider any possible environmental impact the wasp might have.

The Committee involved concluded that the positive effects outweigh the potential adversity and noted that the release would allow a new tool to be added to Integrated Pest Management systems in New Zealand.